Elbaite Tourmaline

This tall, yet relatively wide, crystal of pink Elbaite Tourmaline is a beautiful example of the ex-matrix single crystals found in a recently discovered gem Tourmaline pocket in the mining district of Coronel Murta in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The prism is semi-transparent with plenty of gemmy zones which are dispersed throughout slightly cloudy Elbaite due to micro-crackled crystal growth. The prism faces are finely and complexly striated and, under low magnification, some show feint criss-crossing lines where hair-like Tourmaline crystals may once have nucleated, but have long-since disappeared. Nature is complex and such features given a tantalising insight into the constantly evolving chemistry within pegmatite pockets. The overall colour is a pinkish-rose red but suddenly changes to a 1.1 cm deep zone of almost colourless, pink tinted Elbaite. It then finishes with a brilliant cerise-pink termination, in the form of a flat pinacoid with a greasy lustre. A few small lavender Lepidolite mica crystals sit around the base. This Brazilian Elbaite crystal looks magnificent stood vertically on its clear acrylic base.

Unknown Owner

Product details

Species

Elbaite, Tourmaline

SizeSmall Cabinet

Dimensions1.8 x 6.5 x 1.6 cm

Locality

Brazil, Minas Gerais, Coronel Murta

Added on10/24/2024

Comments

Known provenance

Unknown date